A pair of four-set victories improved the Trinity Western Spartans to 12-2 and jumped them from fourth to second in the most recent Canadian Interuniversity Sport rankings.

The Spartans women's volleyball team knocked off the visiting Brandon Bobcats at the Langley Events Centre on both Jan. 10 and Jan. 12.

A big key to the team's success is its depth.

"There are five of us outside hitters who are all really good," said Amber Brown, who led the team with 13 kills and a match-high 13 digs.

"If one person is off, the next one goes in. It's not scary being a starter when they come in because you know they're going to do a great job.

"And it's nothing on me if I go out because it's all about the team."

Carly Hamilton came off the bench to add a dozen kills and eight digs, while Amy Ott added 10 kills and four blocks. Alicia Perrin had nine kills and setter Kelci French had 43 assists, five kills, eight digs and two aces.

The Bobcats took the first set 25-19, but the Spartans won a pair of narrow matches in sets two and three, 26-24 and 25-23.

And with Brandon trying to stay alive and force a fifth set, Trinity Western did not co-operate, winning 25-20 for the victory.

“This is a game where we have to scramble,” said Spartans coach Ryan Hofer.

“We had two very offensive teams both banging the ball. Both teams can block well and play good defence and it’s a lot of side out volleyball and some serving streaks. We had to do a little bit of everything today to get the win."

The Spartans are back in action at the LEC for a pair of matches on Jan. 18 and 19 against the Manitoba Bisons.

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